Meet Dr. Stella K. Vnook

Dr. Stella K. Vnook — Global Biotech CEO | Board Director | Strategic Leader CEO, Likarda · Co-Founder, Kaida Biopharma · Founder & Chair, Oral BioLife · Board Director, Firefly Neuroscience

With over 25 years of executive leadership in pharma, biotech, and life sciences, Dr. Stella K. Vnook transforms early-stage science into scalable, institutional-grade ventures. As CEO and board director, she drives growth in oncology, neurotechnology, and regenerative medicine — while advising high-growth teams through Agile Consulting Group.

Companies Built, Advised, or Restructured
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Years in Biotech & Pharma Leadership
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In Combined Portfolio & Deal Value
$ 0 M+

Championing Innovation from Molecule to Market

Dr. Stella K. Vnook delivers end-to-end value creation — from discovery through clinical development to commercialization. At Kaida Biopharma, she advances oncology assets targeting ovarian and women’s health. At Likarda, she scales hydrogel-based biologics platforms. Her founding role at Oral BioLife launched device-class innovations in dental regenerative medicine.

Leading Boards & Building Future Innovators

Dr. Stella K. Vnook holds board and advisory roles across AI, gene editing, and diagnostics companies. She serves on the board of Firefly Neuroscience (AI-driven CNS diagnostics) and advises CorriXR Therapeutics (CRISPR) and Brainstorm UPenn. Through Agile Consulting Group, she drives executive leadership for university spinouts, restructuring, and investor readiness.

Empowering the Next Generation

Dr. Stella K. Vnook mentors early-stage biotech leaders, including her Mentor-in-Residence role at Penn State University. She advises ventures like Naki Therapeutics and MaiCell, focused on precision medicine, immunotherapies, and AI platforms — fostering diverse, scalable leadership across biotech.

Boardroom-Ready. Operator-Tested.

Proven Leadership Delivering Results in High-Stakes, High-Growth Environments

Institutional & Venture-Backed Experience

Dr. Stella K. Vnook bridges global pharma operations with high-growth biotech ventures, blending enterprise discipline and startup agility across diverse scientific domains.

Proven Boardroom Contributor

A seasoned boardroom executive, she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, investor relations, and governance across regulated industries.

Calm, Disciplined Executive Leadership

Known for strategic clarity under pressure, Dr. Stella K. Vnook leads complex initiatives with composure, collaboration, and a relentless focus on outcomes.

Track Record of Strategic Execution

From corporate restructuring to platform scale-up and capital strategy, she consistently aligns operations with investor expectations.

Current Ventures & Roles

Strategic Advisor
Encapsulation technology platform — advancing toward acquisition.

Website

Co-Founder / Strategic Operator
FDA-cleared device for regenerative gum therapy.

Website

Co-Founder
Breakthroughs in women’s oncology and targeted biotherapeutics.

Website

Founder
Accelerating university-to-market biotech spinouts.

Website

Board Chair
Cutting-edge neurodiagnostic solutions transforming mental health care.

Website

Leadership Track Record

Company

Role

Result

Merck & Co.

Senior Leader

14 years — Commercial & Clinical leadership across regions

Likarda

CEO

Platform growth, manufacturing scale, M&A readiness

Oral BioLife

Founder & Chair

Device-class product development, FDA strategy execution

Kaida Biopharma

Co-Founder

Oncology asset development, venture strategy, VC partnerships

Firefly Neuroscience

Board Director

CNS AI platform governance, strategic planning

Agile Consulting Group